Skip to content

...Perses, hear me out on justice, and take what I have to…

“...Perses, hear me out on justice, and take what I have to say to heart; cease thinking of violence. For the son of Kronos, Zeus, has ordained this law to men: that fishes and wild beasts and winged birds should devour one another, since there is no justice in them; but to mankind he gave justice…” quote by Hesiod
Download Open image
“...Perses, hear me out on justice, and take what I have to say to heart; cease thinking of violence. For the son of Kronos, Zeus, has ordained this law to men: that fishes and wild beasts and winged birds should devour one another, since there is no justice in them; but to mankind he gave justice which proves for the best.”

Hesiod

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Justice is a divine gift to humans, unlike the natural law of predation among animals.

In simple terms: Humans receive justice, animals do not.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and uphold human justice.

Themes

justice divine order human nature

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • lawmaking
  • education
  • conflict resolution
  • environmental policy

Key Concepts

ethics theology natural law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society enforce justice beyond natural instincts?
  • What responsibilities arise from possessing justice?
A Different Perspective

Human justice can be compromised by power and bias.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Hesiod

Explore all 146 Hesiod quotes

More Beast quotes

Browse all 1,640 Beast quotes